Chicken in My Lap 
Saturday, April 12, 2008, 11:45 AM -
Posted by Barbara
The first time I had a live chicken in my lap, I was being thanked by the our beaders in the Opit camp for sponsoring training that enabled them to refine their beading skills. The chicken was their token of appreciation, quite a valuable token, actually, since chicken is quite a luxury for camp inhabitants. For someone who grew up in the city, a live chicken placed in the lap is quite disconcerting, but I smiled my gratitude and looked eagerly for someone to rescue me from my discomfort. Amid much general laughter, my rescurer came forward, removed the poor fowl and placed it in the car in which we were to return to Gulu. Meghan, one of my interns who had accompanied me to Uganda, promptly named the chicken Opit, and wondered how fast it would end up in someone's pot.

I remember that day fondly, not only because of Opit, but because the beaders were so excited about their improved skills. They sang and clapped and proudly showed me their new work, eager for approval and for the assurance that I would be able to buy an extra number of their necklaces on their next market day. Joyce, my Ugandan partner and I walked arm in arm to the car, with Meghan clapping and dancing to the women's songs. Opit, whose feet were tied, rustled on the floor of the back seat as we drove back to town. Joyce put him in a pot the next day.



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Paper to Pearls Necklaces as Art 
Saturday, March 22, 2008, 04:14 PM
Posted by Barbara
Just before Valentine's Day, The Bailey Law Group in Washington, DC arranged an art show for "friends and family" and generously invited Paper to Pearls to participate. Although our jewelry is not art in the traditional sense, the beautiful Ugandan designs generated a lot of attention, and gave us an opportunity to discuss the plight of the northern Ugandan women and children. The necklaces proved very popular as Valentine gifts. It was Washington to Uganda with love !



If you are interested in hosting a special event that can include Paper to Pearls, please contact us at voices@vfgc.org . We love making a difference, and you will too!!

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